Washer liquid supply system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a washer liquid supply system in a simple structure and capable of improving the capacity of washing an object of a vehicle. A washer liquid supply system includes: a washer tank mounted on a vehicle to store washer liquid; a supply section mounted on the vehicle to supply the washer liquid in the washer tank to a window shield of the vehicle; and a connecting member being a bubbling section mounted on the vehicle to make the washer liquid contain bubbles, wherein the supply section supplies the washer liquid containing the bubbles to the window shield.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2017-141268, filed on Jul. 20, 2017 in the Japan Patent Office, theentire specification, claims and drawings of which are incorporatedherewith by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for supplying washer liquid toan object of a vehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Examined Utility Model ApplicationPublication No. S58-28938) disclosed ejection of a washer liquid towardthe floor surface of a vehicle, the washer liquid having been preparedby mixing, in a pipe, a washer liquid supplied from a washer liquid tankand compressed air supplied from a compressor to thereby turn themixture into an emulsion state with bubbles in it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides a washer liquid supplysystem, comprising:

a washer tank mounted on a vehicle to store washer liquid;

a supply section mounted on the vehicle to supply the washer liquid inthe washer tank to an object of the vehicle; and

a bubbling section mounted on the vehicle to make the washer liquidcontain bubbles, wherein the supply section supplies the washer liquidcontaining the bubbles to the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle to which awasher liquid supply system according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the washer liquid supply systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washer tankaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a keep-warm tank accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic external view of a connecting member according tothe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an external view of the connecting member in FIG. 6, in a viewfrom direction VII;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a saturated vapor pressure curve of water;

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a wiper arm, a wiperblade, and a supply section;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are graphs showing examples of temporal changes of thepump output and of the supply amount of washer liquid to a window panel;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of the relation between thealcohol concentration and the target temperature of the washer liquid inthe keep-warm tank;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a washer liquid supply systemaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a supply sectionaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a supply sectionaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a keep-warm tankaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing a washer liquid supply systemaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a washer liquid supply systemaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to describing embodiments of the present invention, prior art isargued below.

In the art described in Patent Document 1, a compressor is necessary tomake bubbles contained in washer liquid, and accordingly the device isin a large and complicated structure. Consequently, it is hard to mountthe device on a vehicle.

The present invention has been developed in this situation, and anobject of the present invention is to provide a washer liquid supplysystem in a simple structure and capable of improving the capacity ofwashing an object of a vehicle.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve thecapacity of washing an object of a vehicle, with a simple structure.

Hereinafter, washer liquid supply systems according to embodiments ofthe present invention will be described in detail, referring to thedrawings and taking examples of a case that washer liquid is supplied toa window panel as an object of washing. In the description below, thesame symbols will be given to the respective same elements, andoverlapping description will be omitted.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a washer liquid supply system 1Aaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention is a systemthat supplies a washer liquid W to a window shield C1, which is thefront glass of a Vehicle C. The washer liquid W contains water, alcoholand the like to operate as an anti-freeze liquid. The washer liquidsupply system 1A includes a washer tank 10, a pump (delivering section)2, a heat-retaining tank (heating section) 20A, a connecting member 30A,a wiper arm 3, a wiper blade 4, a supply section 6A, and a controlsection 7. The washer tank 10, the heat-retaining tank 20A, theconnecting member 30A, and the supply section 6A are serially connectedby a passage section 8 through which the washer liquid W can flow. Thepassage section 8 is formed by a flexible tube and the like.

Washer Tank

As shown in FIG. 3, the washer tank 10 is installed in a power sourcechamber C2 arranged at a front part of a vehicle C, and stores thewasher liquid W. The washer liquid W stored in the washer tank 10 flowsthrough the passage section 8 (see FIG. 1) to the outside of the washertank 10 and is delivered to the supply section 6A. The washer tank 10 isa resin member in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is integrallyprovided with a bottom wall portion 11, an upper wall portion 12, bothhaving a circular shape in a plan view, and a side wall portion 13,which has an annular shape in a plan view and is extended verticallysuch as to connect the circumferential marginal portions of the bottomwall portion 11 and the upper wall portion 12. The inner circumferentialsurface of the side wall portion 13 is provided with a groove portion14.

Groove Portion, First Inclined Portion, and Second Inclined Portion

The groove portion 14 is in a spiral shape with a center on the axialline of the washer tank 10 and includes a first inclined portion 14 aand a second inclined portion 14 b. The first inclined portion 14 a is asurface inclined the more inward in the radial direction of the washertank 10 as a point on the surface is located the more upward. The secondinclined portion 14 b is a surface inclined the more inward in theradial direction of the washer tank 10 as a point on the surface islocated the more downward. The first inclined portion 14 a and thesecond inclined portion 14 b are arranged such as to continuously andalternately appear in the height direction. In other words, the firstinclined portion 14 a on the lower side and the second inclined portion14 b on the upper side, which are continuous, form convex portionsprotruding inward in the radial direction of the washer tank 10.Further, the first inclined portion 14 a on the upper side and thesecond inclined portion 14 b on the lower side, which are continuous,form concave portions recessed outward in the radial direction of thewasher tank 10. The convex portions and the concave portions in across-sectional view are in triangle shapes. Herein, at each same heighton the side wall portion 13 of the washer tank 10, an apex 14 d of aconcave portion of the groove portion 14 is provided at a part facing anapex 14 c of a convex portion of the groove portion 14.

Generation of Babbles in Washer Tank

In this washer tank 10, the liquid surface of the washer liquid W, whichis stored inside, is moved up and down by vibration accompanying therunning of the vehicle C and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the washerliquid W adjacent to the liquid surface is lifted by the second inclinedportion 14 b and then bounced by the first inclined portion 14 a, tobecome liquid drops and drop down onto the liquid surface of the washerliquid W. Thus, bubbles are generated in the washer liquid W.

Pump

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pump 2 generates a flow fordelivering the washer liquid W, which is stored in the washer tank 10,to the supply section 6A through the heat-retaining tank 20A. In thepresent embodiment, the pump 2 is arranged between the washer tank 10and the heat-retaining tank 20A in the passage section 8.

Heat-Retaining Tank

The heat-retaining tank 20A is arranged between the washer tank 10 andthe supply section 6A, and temporarily stores the washer liquid W, whichis delivered from the washer tank 10 to the supply section 6A. Theheat-retaining tank 20A has a heating function to heat the washer liquidW temporarily stored in the heat-retaining tank 20A itself, and aheat-retaining function to maintain the temperature of the heated washerliquid W. By the heating function and the heat-retaining function, theheat-retaining tank 20A improves the washing capacity of the washerliquid W stored in the heat-retaining tank 20A itself and makes thewasher liquid W have a defrosting function. In other words, theheat-retaining tank 20A also serves as a heating section for heating thewasher liquid W. As shown in FIG. 5, the heat-retaining tank 20A isprovided with a tank main-body 21, an inlet-side passage section 22, adischarge-side passage section 23, a deflector 24, a heater 25, aliquid-amount detecting section 26A, an alcohol-concentration detectingsection 27, a liquid-temperature detecting section 28, and a controlboard (control section) 29.

Tank Main-Body

The tank main-body 21 is a resin or metal tank in which the washerliquid W is temporarily stored. The tank main-body 21 is, for example,made from a foam material, or for example, has a bilayer structurecontaining air, and thus has a heat-retaining function to maintain thetemperature of the washer liquid W therein.

Inlet-Side Passage Section and Discharge-Side Passage Section

The inlet-side passage section 22 lets the washer liquid W, which hasbeen delivered from the washer tank 10, flow into the tank main-body 21.The discharge-side passage section 23 lets the washer liquid W, which isin the tank main-body 21, flow out to the supply section 6A side. Therespective passage sections 22 and 23 are formed by a tube or the like,and are inserted from the bottom wall portion of the tank main-body 21into the tank main-body 21.

An opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23 is arranged ata position higher than an opening 22 a of the inlet-side passage section22. That is, when the liquid surface of the washer liquid W, which hasbeen delivered into the tank main-body 21 by the pump 2, has becomehigher than the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23,the washer liquid W in the tank main-body 21 is delivered from thedischarge-side passage section 23 to the supply section 6A side.Further, in the tank main-body 21, a space, in consideration of theexpansion of the washer liquid W, is arranged on the upper side of theopening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23.

Deflector

In the tank main-body 21, the deflector 24 is disposed at a positionhigher than the opening 22 a of the inlet-side passage section 22, lowerthan the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23, andfacing the opening 22 a of the inlet-side passage section 22.

Heater

The heater 25 is arranged in the tank main-body 21 as a heating sectionmain-body for heating the washer liquid W, which is temporarily storedin the tank main-body 21.

Liquid-Amount Detecting Section

The liquid-amount detecting section 26A is arranged in the tankmain-body 21 to detect the liquid amount of the washer liquid Wtemporarily stored in the tank main-body 21. In the present embodiment,the liquid-amount detecting section 26A is a level sensor for detectingthe liquid surface of the washer liquid W temporarily stored in the tankmain-body 21. The liquid-amount detecting section 26A outputs adetection result to the control section 7 (see FIG. 2).

Alcohol-Concentration Detecting Section

The alcohol-concentration detecting section 27 is arranged in the tankmain-body 21 to detect the alcohol concentration of the washer liquid W,which is temporarily stored in the tank main-body 21. Thealcohol-concentration detecting section 27 supplies a detection resultto a control board 29. In the present embodiment, thealcohol-concentration detecting section 27 detects the alcoholconcentration of the washer liquid W at a position closer to the opening23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23 than to the opening 22 aof the inlet-side passage section 22.

Liquid-Temperature Detecting Section

The liquid-temperature detecting section 28 is arranged in the tankmain-body 21 to detect the temperature (liquid temperature) of thewasher liquid W, which is temporarily stored in the tank main-body 21.The liquid-temperature detecting section 28 outputs a detection resultto the control board 29.

Control Board

Based on a detection result from the alcohol-concentration detectingsection 27, the control board 29 controls the heater 25 to make theliquid temperature, which is detected by the liquid-temperaturedetecting section 28, close to a preset target temperature. A method ofcontrolling the heater 25 by the control board 29 will be describedlater.

Connecting Member

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the connecting member 30A is arrangedbetween the washer tank 10 and the supply section 6A, and in more detailbetween the heat-retaining tank 20A and the supply section 6A. Theconnecting member 30A is a bubbling section for making the washer liquidW, which flows through the connecting member 30A, contain bubbles. Asshown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, the connecting member 30A is a metalmember in a cylindrical shape. The connecting member 30A is providedwith an inlet passage section 31, a connecting passage section 32, and adischarge passage section 33 in this order from the upstream side. Aflexible first tube 8 a is connected to the upstream-side end portion ofthe connecting member 30A, and a flexible second tube 8 b is connectedto the downstream-side end portion of the connecting member 30A. Herein,the first tube 8 a forms at least a part of a first passage section,which connects the washer tank 10 (the heat-retaining tank 20A in thepresent embodiment) and the connecting member 30A. The second tube 8 bforms at least a part of a second passage section that connects thesupply section 6A and the connecting member 30A.

The inlet passage portion 31 is a passage through which the washerliquid W from the upstream side flows. The upstream end of the inletpassage section 31 is an inlet section 31 a to which the first tube (thefirst passage section) 8 a is connected.

The connecting passage section 32 is a passage through which the washerliquid W from the inlet passage section 31 flows. In the order from theupstream side, the connecting passage section 32 is provided with alarge diameter portion 32 a, a diameter-shrinking portion 32 b whosediameter and passage cross-sectional area become smaller as the positionof the passage cross-section goes toward the downstream side, a throttlesection 32 c, a diameter-expanding portion 32 d whose diameter and thepassage cross-sectional area become larger as the position of thepassage cross-section goes toward the downstream side, a small diameterportion 32 e whose passage cross-sectional area is smaller than thelarge diameter portion 32 a, and a diameter-shrinking portion 32 f whosediameter and passage cross-sectional area become smaller as the positionof the passage cross-section goes toward the downstream side. Thepassage cross-sectional area, on the upstream side, of thediameter-shrinking portion 32 b is equal to the passage cross-sectionalarea of the large diameter portion 32 a. The passage cross-sectionalarea of the downstream-side end portion of the diameter-shrinkingportion 32 b and the passage cross-sectional area of the upstream-sideend portion of the diameter-expanding portion 32 d are equal to thepassage cross-sectional area of the throttle section 32 c. The passagecross-sectional area of the downstream-side end portion of thediameter-expanding portion 32 d, and the passage cross-sectional area ofthe upstream-side end portion of the diameter-shrinking portion 32 f,are equal to the passage cross-sectional area of the small diameterportion 32 e. The passage cross-sectional area of the downstream-sideend portion of the diameter-shrinking portion 32 f is equal to thepassage cross-sectional area of the discharge passage section 33. Thepassage length of the diameter-shrinking portion 32 b is smaller thanthe passage length of the diameter-expanding portion 32 d.

The discharge passage section 33 is a passage through which the washerliquid W from the connecting passage section 32 flows. The downstreamend of the discharge passage section 33 is a discharge section 33 a towhich the second tube (the second passage section) 8 b is connected. Thepassage cross-sectional area of the discharge passage section 33 isequal to the passage cross-sectional area of the inlet passage section31, and is smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of the largediameter portion 32 a and the passage cross-sectional area of the smalldiameter portion 32 e.

Regarding the connecting member 30A, the part at which the inlet passagesection 31 is formed is a first fit-engagement section 34 to which thefirst tube 8 a is fit-engaged (outer fitting). In other words, the inletsection 31 a is formed at the first fit-engagement section 34. In theconnecting member 30A, the part at which the discharge passage section33 is formed is a second fit-engagement section 35 to which the secondtube 8 b is fit-engaged (outer fitting). In other words, the dischargesection 33 a is formed at the second fit-engagement section 35.

The inlet passage section 31, which is the passage section in the firstfit-engagement section 34, extends in a direction intersecting with theconnecting passage section 32. The discharge passage section 33, whichis the passage section in the second fit-engagement section 35, extendscolinearly with the connecting passage section 32. That is, as shown inFIG. 8, in a plan view for example, a passage center line X1 of theinlet passage section 31 intersects with a passage center line X2 of theconnecting passage section 32. A passage center line X3 of the dischargepassage section 33 is arranged colinearly with the passage center lineX2 of the connecting passage section 32. As shown in FIG. 9, in a sideview for example, the passage center line X1 of the inlet passagesection 31 is shifted in parallel from the passage center line X2 of theconnecting passage section 32.

Bubble Generation in Connecting Member

As shown in FIG. 10, when the state of water changes from the liquidside to the gas side of the saturated vapor pressure curve, the watergenerates cavitation. Further, the higher the liquid temperature of thewasher liquid W, at the higher pressure the washer liquid W turns intogas, and the easier it is for the washer liquid W to generatecavitation. As shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, in the above-describedconnecting member 30A, the throttle section 32 c increases the flowvelocity of the washer liquid W to thereby decrease the liquid pressure,deposit air, which is dissolved in the liquid, and generate bubbles inthe washer liquid W. On the other hand, the diameter-expanding portion32 d decreases the flow velocity of the washer liquid W to therebyincrease the liquid pressure, make the bubbles in the washer liquid Wmicro valves, and thus agitate the washer liquid W.

Further, when the washer liquid W flows from the inlet passage section31 to the connecting passage section 32, the flow turns into a swirlingflow to thereby efficiently generate bubbles.

Wiper Arm and Wiper Blade

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the root end portion of the wiper arm 3is swingably supported at the lower end portion of the window shield C1.The wiper blade 4 is used to wipe the window shield C1. The middleportion, in the width direction, of the wiper blade 4 is supportedrotatably at the tip end portion of the wiper arm 3.

Supply Section

The supply section 6A is a component of the object-side end portion ofthe washer liquid supply system 1A, and is arranged to discharge andsupply the washer liquid W, which has been delivered from the washertank 10, to the window shield C1. The supply section 6A is installedintegrally with the wiper arm 3 or the wiper blade 4. As shown in FIG.11, the supply section 6A in the present embodiment is arrangedintegrally with the tip end portion of the wiper arm 3, and has afunction as a nozzle that ejects the washer liquid W in the wiping rangeof the wiper arm 3.

Control Section

The control section 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM(Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input-outputcircuit, and the like. The control section 7 controls a pump 20, basedon detection results from the liquid-amount detecting section 26A andthe alcohol-concentration detecting section 27.

Control of Increase in Initial Eject Amount

When a driver of the vehicle C operates an operating section (notshown), the control section 7 drives the pump 2 to thereby supply thewasher liquid W to the window shield C1. Herein, if a state that thewasher liquid W is not supplied has lasted for a long time or the like,water in the washer liquid W evaporates or alcohol in the washer liquidW volatilizes in the tank main-body 21 of the heat-retaining tank 20A,and thus the liquid surface of the washer liquid W becomes lower thanthe opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23. In thisevent, if it is attempted to supply the washer liquid W to the windowshield C1, the time taken until the liquid surface of the washer liquidW reaches the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23becomes delay of supply of the washer liquid W to the window shield C1(see FIG. 12A).

Accordingly, in the initial supply of the washer liquid W, the delay ofsupply is reduced by increasing the output of the pump 2.

In the present embodiment, based on a detection result from theliquid-amount detecting section 26A, the control section 7 sets anincrease amount for temporarily increasing the delivering amount (thedelivering amount per unit time of the washer liquid W).

Herein, if the detection result from the liquid-amount detecting section26A indicates that the liquid surface level of the washer liquid W ishigher than or equal to the height of the opening 23 a of thedischarge-side passage section 23, the control section 7 sets theincrease amount of the delivering amount (namely the increase amount aof the output of the pump 2) to zero (see FIG. 12B).

If the detection result from the liquid-amount detecting section 26Aindicates that the liquid surface level of the washer liquid W is lowerthan the height of the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passagesection 23, the control section 7 sets an increase amount (see FIG.12C).

Herein, the lower the liquid surface level of the washer liquid W fromthe height of the opening 23 a is, the larger the increase amount can beset.

In such a manner, when a detection result from the liquid-amountdetecting section 26A indicates that the liquid surface level of thewasher liquid W is lower than the height of the opening 23 a of thedischarge-side passage section 23, the control section 7 increases theoutput of the pump 2 from time to (control start time of the pump 2),which is the initial time of supplying the washer liquid W to the windowshield C1 to predetermined time t₁ by a, compared with the output of thepump 2 at time t₁ and after. From the time t₁, the control section 7drives the pump 2 by a predetermined output. Herein, the predeterminedtime t₀-t₁ can be set, based on the time (see FIG. 12B) taken fromsupply start of the washer liquid W until the supply amount of thewasher liquid W reaches a predetermined value in a case that there is nosupply delay.

Incidentally, the control section 7 can set the increase amount a andthe increase time t₀-t₁ such that the lower the liquid surface level ofthe washer liquid W from the height of the opening 23 a is, the largerthe increase amount is and the longer the increase time t₀-t₁ is.

Heating Control Corresponding to Alcohol Concentration

When the washer liquid W stored in the tank main-body 21 of theheat-retaining tank 20A is heated by the heater 25, volatilization ofthe alcohol contained in the washer liquid W progresses, and the alcoholconcentration of the washer liquid W decreases. If heating by the heateris stopped in such a state that the alcohol concentration of the washerliquid W has decreased, the washer liquid W sometimes freezes byatmospheric temperature.

Accordingly, the control board 29 controls the heater 25, based on adetection result from the alcohol-concentration detecting section 27. Indetail, when the alcohol concentration detected by thealcohol-concentration detecting section 27 is lower than or equal to apreset threshold, the control board 29 stops heating by the heater 25(FIG. 13). In other words, during heating by the heater 25, when thealcohol concentration detected by the alcohol-concentration detectingsection 27 has become equal to or lower than the preset threshold, thecontrol board 29 stops heating of the washer liquid W by the heater 25.Even if conditions for start of heating by the heater 25 are satisfiedin a stop state of the heater 25, the control board 29 does not performheating of the washer liquid W by the heater 25.

Further, based on the detection result from the alcohol-concentrationdetecting section 27, the control board 29 sets a target temperature(heating target temperature) of the washer liquid W by the heater 25. Indetail, if the alcohol concentration is higher than or equal to thethreshold, the higher the alcohol concentration is, the higher thecontrol board 29 sets the target temperature of the washer liquid W (seeFIG. 13).

As the washer tank 10 according to the first embodiment of the inventionis provided with the first inclined portion 14 a, it is possible to makethe washer liquid W contain bubbles by vibration of the vehicle C,without providing a special mechanism such as a compressor or the like.

Further, as the washer tank 10 is provided with the second inclinedportion 14 b, it is possible to lift the liquid surface of the washerliquid W by the vibration of the vehicle C up to the first inclinedportion 14 a to thereby make the washer liquid W satisfactorily containbubbles.

Still further, as the washer tank 10 is provided with plural firstinclined portions 14 a arrayed vertically, even if the liquid amount ofthe stored washer liquid W varies, it is possible to make the washerliquid W contain bubbles by the first inclined portion 14 a at aposition corresponding to the liquid surface of the washer liquid W.

Still further, as the washer tank 10 is provided with the first inclinedportions 14 a and the second inclined portions 14 b formed by the grooveportion 14 in a spiral shape, the washer tank 10 can be easilymanufactured.

Yet further, in the washer tank 10, as the first inclined portions 14 aare formed by the groove portion 14 in a spiral shape, even if theliquid amount of the washer liquid W varies, a first inclined portion 14a and a second inclined portion 14 b exist at a position correspondingto the liquid surface of the washer liquid W, which makes it possible tomake the washer liquid W satisfactorily contain bubbles by the vibrationof the vehicle C.

Further, in the washer tank 10, the apex 14 c of a convex portion andthe apex 14 d of a concave portion of the groove portion 14 face eachother at the same height. Accordingly, it is possible to make the innershape of the washer tank 10 the same at all height positions, and makethe washer liquid W satisfactorily contain bubbles.

In the washer liquid supply system 1A according to the first embodimentof the invention, as the connecting member 30A (bubbling section) makesthe washer liquid W contain bubbles, it is possible to make the washerliquid W contain bubbles by a simple structure in which the bubblingsection is mounted on the vehicle C, and improve the capacity of washingthe window shield C1.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the connecting member30A is arranged at the passage section 8, it is possible to improve thecapacity of washing the window shield C1, with a simple structure.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the connectingmember 30A, which connects the first tube (the first passage section) 8a and the second tube (the second passage section) 8 b, is arranged tobe the bubbling section, a component for connecting the first tube (thefirst passage section) 8 a and the second tube (the second passagesection) 8 b serves also as the bubbling section. Thus, it is possibleto reduce the number of components.

Yet further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, the connectingmember 30A, which is the bubbling section, is provided with the throttlesection 32 c and the diameter-expanding portion 32 d. Thus, it ispossible to generate bubbles in the washer liquid W and agitate it, witha simple structure.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the first tube8 a and the second tube 8 b are fit-engaged with the connecting member30A, the component for connecting the first tube 8 a and the second tube8 b can also serve as the bubbling section. Thus, it is possible toreduce the number of components and simplify the structure.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the passage centerline X1 of the inlet passage section 31 and the passage center line X2of the connecting passage section 32 intersect with each other, it ispossible to turn the flow of the washer liquid W into a swirl flow atthe diameter-shrinking portion 32 b, which is on the upstream side ofthe throttle section 32 c, and thereby efficiently generate bubbles.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the passagecenter line X3 of the discharge passage section 33 and the passagecenter line X2 of the connecting passage section 32 are arrangedcolinearly, it is possible to realize downsizing and simple forming ofthe connecting member 30A. Further, in the washer liquid supply system1A, as the angles of the first fit-engagement section 34 and the secondfit-engagement section 35 are different, the respective fit-engagementsections 34 and 35 can be easily distinguished from each other, andmistake (reversely attaching or the like) in attaching these to therespective tubes (passage sections) 8 a and 8 b can be pretended.

Yet further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the deliveringamount of the washer liquid W by the pump 2 can be temporarilyincreased, by quickly raising the liquid surface of the washer liquid Win the heat-retaining tank 20A, it is possible to reduce a delay insupply of the washer liquid W to the window shield C1. In other words,even with a structure including the heat-retaining tank 20A, the washerliquid supply system 1A can quickly supply the washer liquid W to thewindow shield C1.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the increase amountof the delivering amount is set, based on a detection result from theliquid-amount detecting section 26A, it is possible to appropriately setthe increase amount so as to prevent an excess of the supply amount ofthe washer liquid W supplied from the supply section 6A to the windowshield C1.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as theliquid-amount detecting section 26A is a level sensor, it is possible toappropriately set the increase amount, based on the liquid surface levelof the washer liquid W.

Yet further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the heater 25 iscontrolled, based on a detection result from the alcohol-concentrationdetecting section 27, it is possible to prevent the alcoholconcentration of the washer liquid W from excessively dropping and thewasher liquid W, which has been discharged from the heat-retaining tank20A, from freezing.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as a threshold is used,the heater 25 is stopped before the alcohol concentration of the washerliquid W becomes to the concentration at which the washer liquid Wfreezes by ambient air so that the washer liquid W can be appropriatelyprevented from freezing.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the heatingtemperature is set, based on the alcohol concentration, for example, ina case that the alcohol concentration of the washer liquid W has beendropping, the target temperature is set low. Thus, while reducing dropof the alcohol concentration, heating by the heater 25 can be performeduntil just before the moment when the alcohol concentration becomes theconcentration at which the washer liquid W may freeze.

Yet further, in the washer liquid supply system 1A, as the alcoholconcentration is detected at a position adjacent to the opening 23 a ofthe discharge-side passage section 23, it is possible to appropriatelyprevent the washer liquid W from freezing even in a case that the washerliquid W does not flow and stagnates between the heat-retaining tank 20Aand the supply section 6A.

Second Embodiment

Subsequently, a washer liquid supply system according to a secondembodiment of the invention will be described below, focusing ondifferences from the washer liquid supply system 1A according to thefirst embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, a washer liquid supply system 1Baccording to the second embodiment of the invention is provided with aconnecting member 30B and a supply section 6B instead of the connectingmember 30A and the supply section 6A. The connecting member 30B is usedto connect the first tube 8 a and the second tube 8 b and does not havea function as a bubbling section that makes the washer liquid W containbubbles.

Supply Section

As shown in FIG. 15, the supply section 6B is provided with a pipe-sidemember 40B, a nozzle-side member 50B, and a bubbling section 60.

Pipe-Side Member

The pipe-side member 40B is a metal member forming the upstream-sideportion of the supply section 6B. The pipe-side member 40B is providedwith a passage section 41 allowing the washer liquid W to flow through.The passage section 41 is provided with a check valve 42.

The check valve 42 is a one-way valve for preventing backflow of thewasher liquid W. In other words, the check valve 42 allows the washerliquid W to flow from the passage section 8 to the nozzle-side member50B, and also prevents the washer liquid W from flowing from thenozzle-side member 50B to the passage section 8 (backward flow).

The upstream-side end portion of the pipe-side member 40B is arranged asa fit-engagement section 43 with which the second tube 8 b of thepassage section 8 is fit-engaged (outer fitting). Further, the pipe-sidemember 40B is provided with a fitting section 44 for fitting the supplysection 6B to another unit (the wiper arm 3, the wiper blade 4, or thelike).

Nozzle-Side Member

The nozzle-side member 50B is a hollow cylindrical shaped metal member,which forms the downstream-side portion of the supply section 6B. Thenozzle-side member 50B is provided with a housing section 51 and anozzle 52. The housing section 51 houses the bubbling section 60. Thenozzle 52 is arranged at the downstream-side end portion of thenozzle-side member 50B, and ejects the washer liquid W, which has flowedthrough the bubbling section 60, onto the window shield C1.

Bubbling Section

The bubbling section 60 is provided integrally with the supply section6B to make the washer liquid W contain bubbles. In the presentembodiment, the bubbling section 60 is built-in the nozzle-side member50B. That is, the bubbling section 60 is arranged on a coupling plane Y1between the pipe-side member 40B and the nozzle-side member 50B, and inmore detail, between the nozzle 52 and the coupling plane Y1, which isbetween the pipe-side member 40B and the nozzle-side member 50B. Thebubbling section 60 is provided with a diameter-shrinking portion 61whose diameter and the passage cross-sectional area become smaller asthe point on the cross-section goes from the upstream side toward thedownstream side, a throttle section 62, and a diameter-expanding portion63 whose diameter and the passage cross-sectional area become larger asthe point on the cross-section goes toward the downstream side. Thepassage cross-sectional area of the downstream-side end portion of theshrinking portion 61 and the passage cross-sectional area of theupstream-side end portion of the diameter-expanding portion 63 are equalto the passage cross-sectional area of the throttle section 62. Therelations between the passage cross-sectional area and the passagelength of the shrinking portion 61, the throttle section 62, and thediameter-expanding portion 63 may be similar to the relations betweenthe passage cross-sectional area and the passage length of thediameter-shrinking portion 32 b, the throttle section 32 c, and thediameter-expanding portion 32 d of the connecting member 30A. Further,the bubbling section 60 may be provided with, on the upstream side ofthe shrinking portion 61, a large diameter portion similar to the largediameter portion 32 a, and/or provided with, on the downstream side ofthe diameter-expanding portion 63, a small diameter portion similar tothe mall diameter portion 32 e.

The coupling plane Y1 is a plane on which the downstream-side endportion of the pipe-side member 40B and the upstream-side end portions,of the nozzle-side member 50B and the bubbling section 60, contact witheach other. In other words, the upstream-side end portion of thebubbling section 60 is disposed on the same plane as the upstream-sideend portion of the nozzle-side member 50B on the coupling plane Y1, andis in contact with the downstream-side end portion of the pipe-sidemember 40B on the coupling plane Y1. A coupling plane Y2 is a plane onwhich the pipe-side member 40B and the upstream-side end portion of thecheck valve 42 contact with each other. A coupling plane Y3 is a planeon which the nozzle-side member 50B and the downstream-side end portionof the bubbling section 60 contact with each other.

Generation of Bubbles in Nozzle-Side Member

In the nozzle-side member 50B, the throttle section 62 increases theflow velocity of the washer liquid W, and thereby decreases the liquidpressure to deposit air dissolved in the liquid and thus generatebubbles in the washer liquid W. The diameter-expanding portion 63decreases the flow velocity of the washer liquid W and thereby increasesthe liquid pressure to agitate the washer liquid W, making the bubblesin the washer liquid W be micro bubbles.

As the washer liquid supply system 1B according to the second embodimentof the invention can make the washer liquid W contain bubblesimmediately before supplying the washer liquid W, it is thereby possibleto suppress vanishing of bubbles during delivering the washer liquid Wand appropriately exercise a washing capacity.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1B, as the bubbling section60 is arranged on the coupling plane Y1 between the pipe-side member 40Band the nozzle-side member 50B, the bubbling section 60 can be formed asa separate component to improve the productivity.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1B, as the bubblingsection 60 is arranged on the coupling plane Y1, the fitting workabilitycan be improved.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1B, the bubbling section 60is built in the nozzle-side member 50B, and the check valve 42 is builtin the pipe-side member 40B. Accordingly, for the washer liquid supplysystem 1A, after the bubbling section 60 and the check valve 42 areattached to respective separate members, the pipe-side member 40B andthe nozzle-side member 50B can be attached so that the attaching workcan be improved.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1B, as the supplysection 6B is arranged on the wiper arm 3 or the wiper blade 4, it ispossible to shorten the distance from a position where bubbles aregenerated to the window shield C1, and thereby reduce vanishing ofbubbles.

Yet further, in the washer liquid supply system 1B, as theheat-retaining tank 20A is arranged on the upstream side with respect tothe bubbling section 60, it is possible to increase the amount ofgenerating the bubbles and improve the washing capacity, by making theheated washer liquid W contain bubbles.

Third Embodiment

Subsequently, a washer liquid supply system according to a thirdembodiment of the invention will be described below, focusing ondifferences from the washer liquid supply system 1B according to thesecond embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, a washer liquid supply system 1Caccording to the third embodiment of the invention is provided with asupply section 6C instead of the supply section 6B.

Supply Section

The supply section 6C is provided with a pipe-side member 40C and anozzle-side member 50C instead of the pipe-side member 40B and thenozzle-side member 50B.

Pipe-Side Member

The pipe-side member 40C is not provided with a check valve 42 nor afitting section 44.

Nozzle-Side Member

The nozzle-side member 50C is provided with a fitting section 54 forfitting the supply section 6C to other units (the wiper arm 3, the wiperblade 4, or the like).

Herein, a coupling plane Y4 is a plane on which the downstream-side endportion of the pipe-side member 40C, and the upstream-side end portionsof the nozzle-side member 50C and the bubbling section 60, contact witheach other. In other words, the upstream-side end portion of thebubbling section 60 is disposed on the same plane as the upstream-sideend portion of the nozzle-side member 50C on the coupling plane Y4, andis in contact with the downstream-side end portion of the pipe-sidemember 40C on the coupling plane Y4. A coupling plane Y5 is a plane onwhich the nozzle-side member 50C and the downstream-side end portion ofthe bubbling section 60 contact with each other.

In addition to preventing back flow by the check valve 42, the supplysection 6C according to the third embodiment of the invention has aneffect similar to the supply section 6B according to the secondembodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

Subsequently, a washer liquid supply system according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing ondifferences from the washer liquid supply system 1A according to thefirst embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, a washer liquid supply system 1Daccording to the fourth embodiment of the invention is provided with aheat-retaining tank 20D instead of the heat-retaining tank 20A.

Heat-Retaining Tank and Liquid Amount Detecting Section

The heat-retaining tank 20D is provided with a liquid-amount detectingsection 26D instead of the liquid-amount detecting section 26A. Theliquid-amount detecting section 26D is a weight sensor for detecting theweight of the washer liquid W temporarily stored in the tank main-body21. The liquid-amount detecting section 26D outputs a detection resultto the control section 7 (see FIG. 2).

The control section 7 stores in advance the relation between the weightof the washer liquid W detected by the liquid-amount detecting section26D and the level of the liquid surface of the washer liquid W, as amathematical expression, a table, or the like. The control section 7uses this relation to convert the weight of the washer liquid W detectedby the liquid-amount detecting section 26D into the level of the liquidsurface of the washer liquid W.

In more detail, the control section 7 stores in advance the relationbetween the weight of the washer liquid W detected by the liquid-amountdetecting section 26D, the alcohol concentration detected by thealcohol-concentration detecting section 27, and the level of the liquidsurface of the washer liquid W as a mathematical expression, a table, orthe like. The control section 7 uses this relation to convert the weightof the washer liquid W detected by the liquid-amount detecting section26D into the level of the liquid surface of the washer liquid W.

In the washer liquid supply system 1D according to the fourth embodimentof the invention, as the liquid-amount detecting section 26A is a weightsensor and the control section 7 converts a weight into a level, it ispossible to appropriately set an increase amount, based on the liquidsurface level of the washer liquid W.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1D, as the deflector 24disturbs the flow of the washer liquid W, it is possible to inhibit thewasher liquid W, which is from the inlet-side passage section 22, fromflowing to the discharge-side passage section 23, without being heated.

Still further, in the washer liquid supply system 1D, by the use of thedeflector 24, it is possible to detect the weight of the washer liquid Wwith a simple structure.

Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1D, by the use of adetection result from the alcohol-concentration detecting section 27, itis possible to appropriately obtain the level of the liquid surface ofthe washer liquid W. Further, in the washer liquid supply system 1D, asthe alcohol-concentration detecting section 27 is arranged at a positioncloser to the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23 thanto the opening 22 a of the inlet-side passage section 22, it is possibleto appropriately detect the alcohol concentration.

Fifth Embodiment

Subsequently, a washer liquid supply system according to a fifthembodiment of the invention will be described, focusing on differencesfrom the washer liquid supply system 1A according to the firstembodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, a washer liquid supply system 1Eaccording to the fifth embodiment of the invention is provided with abypass passage section 8E, a switching section 9E, and an ambienttemperature detecting section 101.

Bypass Passage Section

The bypass passage section 8E is a passage section that connects a pointbetween the pump 2 and the heat-retaining tank 20A and a point betweenthe heat-retaining tank 20A and the connecting member 30A in such amanner that the washer liquid W can flow therethrough. That is, thebypass passage section 8E bypasses the heat-retaining tank 20A.

Switching Section

The switching section 9E is, in the passage section 8, arranged at apart that connects a point, which is between the pump 2 and theheat-retaining tank 20A, and the bypass passage section 8E. Theswitching section 9E switches the flow direction of the washer liquid W,based on control by the control section 7. The switching section 9E isprovided with a solenoid valve and the like to be able to switch betweenthe following states:

A first state that permits the washer liquid W, which has been deliveredfrom the pump 2, to flow to the heat-retaining tank 20A, and prohibitsthe washer liquid W from flowing to the bypass passage section 8E;

A second state that permits the washer liquid W, which has beendelivered from the pump 2, to flow to the heat-retaining tank 20A, andpermits the washer liquid W to flow to the bypass passage section 8E;and A third state that prohibits the washer liquid W, which has beendelivered from the pump 2, from flowing to the heat-retaining tank 20A,and permits the washer liquid W to flow to the bypass passage section8E.

Ambient Temperature Detecting Section

The ambient temperature detecting section 101 is a temperature sensorfor detecting the temperature in the surroundings of the vehicle C (seeFIG. 1), namely the ambient temperature. The ambient temperaturedetecting section 101 outputs a detection result to the control section7.

Control of Switching Section Based on Ambient Temperature

If a detection result from the ambient temperature detecting section 101is higher than or equal to a preset certain temperature (30° C. degreefor example), the control section 7 sets the switching section 9E to thethird state.

Control of Switching Section Based on Liquid Amount in Heat-RetainingTank

On the other hand, when a detection result from the ambient temperaturedetecting section 101 is lower than the above-described certaintemperature and when a detection result from the liquid-amount detectingsection 26A indicates that the level of the liquid surface of the washerliquid W is lower than the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passagesection 23, the control section 7 sets the switching section 9E to thesecond state in an initial stage of supplying the washer liquid W.Further, when a certain time has elapsed after setting the switchingsection 9E to the second state, the control section 7 sets the switchingsection 9E to the first state.

The control section 7 may be arranged such as to make the output of thepump 2, which is output during when the switching section 9E is set tothe second state, larger than the output of the pump 2, which is outputduring when the switching section 9E is set to the first state.

Further, when a detection result from the ambient temperature detectingsection 101 is lower than the above-described certain temperature and ifa detection result from the liquid-amount detecting section 26Aindicates that the level of the liquid surface of the washer liquid W ishigher than or equal to the height of the opening 23 a of thedischarge-side passage section 23, the control section 7 sets theswitching section 9E to the first state during supplying the washerliquid W.

Herein, the lower level of the liquid surface of the washer liquid Wfrom the opening 23 a of the discharge-side passage section 23 is, thelonger the control section 7 can set the time of setting the switchingsection 9E to the second state.

Heating Control Corresponding to Alcohol Concentration

The lower the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperaturedetecting section 101 is, the higher the control section 7 sets thethreshold (see FIG. 13).

In the washer liquid supply system 1E according to the fifth embodimentof the present invention, the washer liquid W temporarily flows throughboth the heat-retaining tank 20A and the bypass passage section 8E.Accordingly, even in a state that a delay in supplying the washer liquidW to the window shield C1 could occur, the delay in supplying the washerliquid W can be prevented by the use of the bypass passage section 8E.That is, the washer liquid supply system 1E can quickly supply thewasher liquid W to the window shield C1 even in a structure includingthe heat-retaining tank 20A.

Further, by utilizing a detection result from the liquid-amountdetecting section 26A, in a state that a delay in supplying the washerliquid W could occur, the washer liquid supply system 1E can prevent adelay in supplying the washer liquid W, by the use of the bypass passagesection 8E; and in a state that a delay in supplying the washer liquid Wdoes not occur, the washer liquid supply system 1E can appropriatelyexercise the washing capacity, by supplying the washer liquid W havingbeen heated.

If the ambient temperature is high, the washer liquid supply system 1Ecan prevent a delay in supplying the washer liquid W, by using thebypass passage section 8E, and can appropriately exercise a washingcapacity, by supplying the washer liquid W at a comparatively hightemperature.

Further, as the washer liquid supply system 1E changes the threshold,corresponding to the ambient temperature, if the ambient temperature islow, the washer liquid supply system 1E sets the threshold high tomaintain the alcohol concentration high so that the washer liquid W canbe appropriately prevented from freezing. If the ambient temperature ishigh, the washer liquid supply system 1E sets the threshold low so that,even in a case of a comparatively low alcohol concentration, the washerliquid supply system 1E continues to heat the washer liquid W by theheater 25 so that the washing capacity by the washer liquid W can beappropriately exercised.

Sixth Embodiment

Subsequently, a washer liquid supply system according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing ondifferences from the washer liquid supply system 1A according to thefirst embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, a washer liquid supply system 1Faccording to the sixth embodiment of the invention is provided with areturn passage section 8F and a switching section 9F.

Return Passage Section

The return passage section 8F is a passage section, of a passage section8, that connects a point between the heat-retaining tank 20A and thesupply section 6A (the connecting member 30A in the present embodiment),and the washer tank 10, such that the washer liquid W can flowtherethrough. That is, the return passage section 8F returns the washerliquid W, which has been discharged from the heat-retaining tank 20A,back to the washer tank 10.

Switching Section

The switching section 9F is arranged at a connecting part connecting apoint, which is between the heat-retaining tank 20A of the passagesection 8 and the supply section 6A (the connecting member 30A in thepresent embodiment), and the return passage section 8F, and switches theflow direction of the washer liquid W, based on control by the controlsection 7. The switching section 9F includes a solenoid valve and thelike to be able to switch the following states:

A first state that permits the washer liquid W from the heat-retainingtank 20A to flow to the supply section 6A, and prohibits the washerliquid W from flowing to the return passage section 8F; and

A second state that prohibits the washer liquid W, which has beendelivered from the heat-retaining tank 20A, from flowing to the supplysection 6A, and permits the washer liquid W to flow to the returnpassage section 8F.

Control of Switching Section, Based on Alcohol Concentration

If alcohol concentration detected by the alcohol-concentration detectingsection 27 is lower than or equal to the threshold, the control section7 drives the pump 2 and makes the switching section 9F to the secondstate. In this state, the washer liquid W with a dropped alcoholconcentration in the tank main-body 21 of the heat-retaining tank 20A isreturned, by the pump 2, through the switching section 9F and the returnpassage section 8F to the washer tank 10. The washer liquid W, with acomparatively high alcohol concentration, in the washer tank 10 isdelivered by the pump 2 into the tank main-body 21 of the heat-retainingtank 20A.

As the washer liquid supply system 1F according to the sixth embodimentof the present invention replaces the washer liquid W in theheat-retaining tank 20A if the alcohol concentration has dropped, it ispossible to prevent the washer liquid W, whose alcohol concentration hasdropped, from being delivered to the supply section 6A.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, however,the invention is not limited thereto, and can be changed and modified,as appropriate, within a range without departing from the spirit of theinvention. For example, an object to be supplied with the washer liquidW is not limited to the window shield C1 and may be, for example, acover of a headlight of the vehicle C. Further, the washer liquid supplysystems 1A to 1F according to the respective embodiments can becombined, as appropriate.

Further, in the connecting member 30A, the method of making the washerliquid W contains bubbles is not limited to the above described.

Still further, the method of making the washer liquid W contain bubblesin the bubbling section 60 is not limited to the above-described. Forexample, a washer liquid supply system may be provided with a compressormounted on the vehicle C so that the bubbling section 60 mixes air,which has been compressed by this compressor, with the washer liquid Wto thereby make the washer liquid W contain bubbles.

Yet further, the shapes of the coupling planes Y1 and Y4 are not limitedto be a linear shape in a side view.

Further, arrangement may be made such that a check valve is built in anozzle-side member, and a bubbling section is built in a pipe-sidemember.

Still further, the washer liquid supply system 1D may be provided withan inclination detecting section for detecting the inclination of thevehicle C. With this structure, by further using a detection result fromthe inclination detecting section, the control section 7 can determinewhether the level of the liquid surface of the washer liquid W is at aheight that is higher than or equal to the opening 23 a of thedischarge-side passage section 23. Further, the control of the increaseof the initial discharge amount can be applied, not only to theabove-described heat-retaining tank 20A and heat-retaining tank 20D, butalso to a heat-retaining tank having a structure which may generate adelay in discharge, for example, a structure in which the inside of thetank main-body 21 has a plural-chamber structure or a structure in whicha reserve chamber is provided between the inlet-side passage section 22and the discharge-side passage section 23.

Further, the heat-retaining tanks 20A and 20D may have a structurewithout the control board 29. In this structure, a different controlsection 7 or the like provided on the vehicle C can control the heater25.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washer liquid supply system, comprising: awasher tank mounted on a vehicle to store washer liquid; a supplysection mounted on the vehicle to supply the washer liquid in the washertank to an object of the vehicle; a passage section connecting thewasher tank to the supply section; and a bubbling section disposed inthe passage section to make the washer liquid contain bubbles, whereinthe supply section supplies the washer liquid containing the bubbles tothe object; wherein the bubbling section is air-tight from outsidethereof and includes: a throttle section; a diameter-shrinking portionbeing disposed on a side of the washer tank of the throttle section andhaving a passage cross-sectional area becoming smaller as a position ofthe passage cross-section goes toward a downstream side to deposit airdissolved in the washer liquid; and a diameter-expanding portion beingdisposed on a side of the supply section of the throttle section andhaving the passage cross-sectional area becoming larger as the positionof the passage cross-section goes toward the downstream side, andwherein the passage cross-sectional area of an end of thediameter-expanding portion on the side of the supply section of thethrottle section is smaller than the passage cross-sectional area of anend of the diameter-shrinking portion on the side of the washer tank. 2.The washer liquid supply system according to claim 1, wherein thepassage section includes: a first passage section connected to thewasher tank; and a second passage section connected to the supplysection, and wherein the bubbling section is a connecting memberconnecting the first passage section and the second passage section. 3.The washer liquid supply system according to claim 2, wherein thebubbling section includes: an inlet section to which the first passagesection is connected; a discharge section to which the second passagesection is connected; and a connecting passage section that connects theinlet section and the discharge section such that the washer liquid canflow therein, and wherein the connecting passage section includes: thethrottle section; the diameter-shrinking portion; and thediameter-expanding portion.
 4. The washer liquid supply system accordingto claim 3, wherein the first passage section includes a flexible firsttube, wherein the second passage section includes a flexible secondtube, wherein the inlet section is formed, in the bubbling section, intoa first fit-engagement section to which the first tube is fit-engaged,and wherein the discharge section is formed, in the bubbling section,into a second fit-engagement section to which the second tube isfit-engaged.
 5. The washer liquid supply system according to claim 4,wherein a passage section in the first fit-engagement section extends ina direction intersecting with the connecting passage section.
 6. Thewasher liquid supply system according to claim 5, wherein a passagesection in the second fit-engagement section extends colinearly with theconnecting passage section.